Status and look

by Sara Cavallo

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In the 1950’s Marilyn Monroe became the world’s biggest star after having worked as an aircraft plant worker at Radio Plane Company. Model and actress, she was hailed as an international icon for her unmistakable pin-up style. In 1953, to the question “What do you wear in bed”? she replied with the well known answer “Chanel №. 5”. In the 1980’s, Madonna left Detroit for New York with only $ 37 in her pocket. She sang, danced and posed looking for a producer and that lifetime opportunity to become famous. In 1984, the hit song Like a virgin brought her the fame she longed for and prompted her famous provocative looks and attitude that contributed to the development of the “wannabe” style. Through the years, she experimented with leather garments, ripped jeans and layered cross necklaces up to Jean Paul Gaultier's grey suits and the satin mermaid dresses by Dolce&Gabbana. Fashion has evolved in tune with societal changes. Haute couture has seeped out in the most diverse environments and has branched out regardless of the social status.

Fashion is no longer only a prerogative of the wealthy but, according to an increasing widespread conception, is a type of art aimed at a wide audience – all those who appreciate it. This is the result of the era in which we are living and the way we have gradually managed to mix different lifestyles. Having financial ability still influences the way we dress but its lack no longer represents an insurmountable obstacle. This is also the consequence of the changes that have taken place in fashion. The increasing number of fashion collaborations – the last one in chronological order being the autumn 2011 Versace capsule collection for H&M - mean that designer clothes are now accessible to everyone, including those people who would normally not be able to afford them. Haute couture has capitalized on the potential offered by the masstige phenomenon which is the answer to the growing interest of mass consumers toward prestigious luxury brands with the creation of a new cultural network that reduces the gap between attainable and unattainable and debunks the belief according to which “money buys style”. This way, class, social status and rank will no longer influence what we wear. The only aspect determining clothes choices is one’s freedom to develop his/her own style.